Category: Story

I know I have been quiet of late… but perhaps this is just as good a time as any to rekindle the flame of the phoenix bird?

Now, where has the bird been, to spread its wings? It has been a year of fascinating learning at university… of animals, how and why they behave the way they do, what is the function of that behaviour and how it evolved.. These questions were first coined by the late Nobel Prize winning biologist, Niko Tinbergen, when studying animal behaviour. But what has it to do with music? Amongst other things, music has been known to arouse or soothe non-human animals, similarly to human ones. But many of you are already aware of that! 🙂

I wanted you to know that I haven’t forgotten you, my human friends, fans and family, while I have been pursuing my studies, and I wanted to keep you posted of some exciting news. I have never stopped being grateful of your support over the years.

I was recently invited to write and compose a song for charity, with my long-time co-lyricist and hubby, Peter. It is early stages yet, and there will no doubt be further news in the pipeline. This occasion, however, has rekindled and reinspired me to want to continue writing and composing new original materials. Initial feedback – “captivating” and “wonderful piece of work” – has been most encouraging, and has shown me that, perhaps, I have not quite yet lost the chops!

I found myself taking inspiration by immersing myself in my childhood music “collection” of songs, from the late 70s, through the 80s and into the 90s, accessible now, thanks to music platforms, such as Amazon Prime and Spotify. I also found myself thoroughly enjoying singing along, karaoke-style, to songs of ABBA! What great and interesting songwriters folks were back then, and what beautiful and pure singers they were, too! I have also discovered new music and performers, such as the young Khazastan artist, Dimash, with his amazing vocal range, thanks to dear Linda (you know who you are!), watching his YouTube video performances like an absolutely awestruck teenage fan! Check him out, will you? 🙂

Finally, today is my birthday! And today, five years ago, was also the apt release of my then much delayed third solo album “Let the Phoenix Fly”. I can’t believe it has only been five years (seems a lot longer…), and that it has come around again already! I hope you have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, listening to the album, over again, sharing it with your friends, family and acquaintances, including those who haven’t heard it before. It is free to stream on Spotify. Spread the word! I thank you in advance for doing so.

So, until the next post, I’m sending you lots of love and warm wishes!